Places People are Choosing to Retire

Retirement doesn’t always mean slowing down. For many people, it’s about choosing a place that supports how they actually want to live day to day. Pace, comfort, access to community, and everyday rhythm tend to matter more than novelty or dramatic change.

When people think about places to retire in the US, the decision is often less about finding something new and more about finding something that feels steady and sustainable. The places that stand out are usually those that offer balance rather than extremes.

Below are a few locations that often come up when people begin thinking through where they want to settle into this next chapter of life.

#1 Savannah, GA

Savannah draws retirees who value walkability, history, and a slower, more intentional rhythm of life. Its compact layout and strong sense of place make daily routines feel familiar and manageable, while the city’s social and cultural presence helps it feel welcoming rather than sleepy.

The city is home to roughly 150,000 residents, with a metro population closer to 400,000, which helps it feel active without the congestion of larger Southern cities. Its famous Historic District is one of the largest walkable historic areas in the country, making it easier to build routines around daily walks, cafés, and neighborhood errands.

The coastal location also contributes to its appeal. Savannah experiences mild winters, with average daytime temperatures often staying in the 60s, which allows for year-round outdoor activity without extreme cold. Access to nearby beaches, parks, and public squares supports a slower pace of life while still offering variety in how people spend their time.

Beyond lifestyle appeal, Savannah maintains structured long-term municipal systems, including publicly managed pension programs that reflect institutional stability for residents planning their later years.

#2 Asheville, NC

Asheville attracts retirees looking to slow down while staying engaged. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, it combines access to nature with a strong local culture, creating a lifestyle that feels calm yet dynamic.

The city has a population of just under 100,000 residents, which helps it feel personal and navigable while still offering the amenities of a small city. Its downtown area is compact and walkable, making it easy to build routines around cafés, local shops, and community spaces rather than long drives.

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is especially appealing to retirees who value access to nature as part of everyday life. The area offers hundreds of miles of nearby hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and parkland, encouraging an active but unhurried lifestyle. The climate also plays a role, with milder summers than much of the Southeast due to its elevation and generally manageable winters compared to colder mountain regions.

Asheville’s appeal is strengthened by its strong arts presence, local food culture, and steady stream of cultural events throughout the year. 

#3 Brevard County, FL

Brevard is often chosen by retirees who want a quieter, more grounded lifestyle built around routine and access to nature. With a population just under 8,000 residents, the town feels personal and easy to navigate, where daily life centers on familiar places rather than constant activity. Its small downtown encourages a slower rhythm and a strong sense of community.

Located near Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest, Brevard offers exceptional access to trails, waterfalls, and outdoor spaces. Many retirees are drawn to the ability to stay active without long travel, whether through daily walks, light hiking, or simply spending time outdoors.

The town’s elevation brings cooler summers than much of the Southeast, which adds to its appeal. Brevard feels calm without being impractical, making it a natural fit for those prioritizing simplicity, nature, and an intentionally slower pace in retirement.

#4 Fredericksburg, TX

Fredericksburg is often chosen by retirees who want small-town living without feeling disconnected. With a population of just over 11,000 residents, the town feels personal and easy to navigate, where daily routines revolve around a compact historic downtown rather than constant growth or congestion. The slower pace makes it easier to settle into familiar patterns and community life.

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg offers a countryside setting with scenic drives, open space, and access to outdoor activities without requiring a rural lifestyle. Many retirees are drawn to the area’s balance of quiet surroundings and local amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions that keep the town feeling active but not busy.

Fredericksburg’s appeal is also tied to its strong sense of identity. German heritage, local wineries, and seasonal festivals contribute to a community-oriented atmosphere that feels established rather than transient. With access to healthcare and larger city resources within driving distance, Fredericksburg provides a retirement option that blends simplicity, character, and a manageable pace of life.

#5 Prescott, AZ

Prescott is often chosen by retirees who want a slower pace without feeling remote. With a population of around 45,000, it feels more like a large town than a city, where daily life is built around familiar routines and a strong sense of community. Its historic downtown is compact and walkable, making it easy to settle into predictable, low-stress day-to-day living.

Located at a higher elevation than much of Arizona, Prescott offers milder temperatures than desert cities, particularly in the summer. The surrounding landscape includes pine forests, lakes, and trail systems, giving retirees access to nature without requiring a fully rural lifestyle. Outdoor activity tends to feel accessible and optional rather than intense or overwhelming.

Prescott’s appeal comes from its balance of calm and practicality. Healthcare access, established neighborhoods, and a steady local population contribute to a sense of stability rather than rapid change. For retirees looking for space, quiet, and a town that feels easy to live in long-term, Prescott offers a comfortable and grounded option.

Final Take

Whether it’s a historic city, a small town, or a countryside-adjacent community, the right fit is the one that makes daily routines feel easier and more familiar. Retirement often brings a shift toward simplicity and intention, and the places that work best are usually the ones that support that transition quietly and consistently.